I have a good friend who is a Christian Counselor. We were talking about how many times we think that changing our circumstances, i.e. job, spouse or location will make us happier. She said, “We always have to remember: You’re taking yourself with you.”
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I’ve thought about those words a lot. If I am unhappy in a certain situation in my life, my natural tendency is to think, “If only _______ was different.” I only need to fill in the blank. Would that blank be: my job, my kids, my spouse, my house, my car? That certainly depends on what problem I am facing. If only….
My friend made me realize that the first person I need to question anytime I am unhappy with a situation is myself. What is my response to what I am going through? Am I contributing to the problem? Is there something in me that is causing the problem? Am I just plain discontented with my circumstances and refusing to be thankful and content where I am?
Those are hard questions, but real ones that we all have to think about when we are evaluating our circumstances and our discontentment or unhappiness. Who is the main contributor to our problems? Not always, but many times it is really ourselves. We are the ones holding onto a bad attitude or an intractable position. Changing our circumstances is not really going to make us any happier…after all, we will just be taking ourselves with us!
So true and so wise, Valerie! Important first step to take whenever we are discontent! Great post. ❤ ❤
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Thanks…that line always makes me chuckle and think!
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My husband’s philosophy professor uses to joke “wherever I go, there I am.” So true!
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Yes, it is so true!! Your husband’s professor had it right!
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Well said.
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Yes, Loudean said it very well!!!
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❤️ this phrase!
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Me too!! 🙂 🙂
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Yes…If only I focus on myself, perhaps be a bit kinder. Then maybe things would be a bit easier….Alas, I am my harshest critic.
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I think we all are. If we can learn to be kind to ourselves and extend grace to ourselves, we will find it easier to extend grace to others!
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Very true. To love one’s neighbor as oneself it implies that I first understand how to love myself.
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Yes, you’re right!
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This is a fab post and very true
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Grazie. Cara Pecora Nera, Perche si chaima Pecora Nera?
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I always liked the the phrase “The grass is always greener on the other side!” Great post!
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Yes, it is especially funny when you see cows straining through a fence to eat the grass on the other side! It is so ridiculous…we are just the same!
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